The organisation is campaigning to tackle work-related stress and its impact , which reflects the pressures employees face to meet the demands of modern working life . These include the fast pace of work shaped by instant communications , longer working hours and increasing competition in both domestic and international markets . The British Safety Council ’ s biggest current concern is the burden of work-related ill health conditions , particularly relating to mental health . That ’ s why this year it will unveil a number of initiatives that are focused on mental health . They will

include the British Safety Council ’ s Annual Conference , in London on 5th October , and the launch of new qualifications that will help managers and employees become aware of mental health issues in their companies . In 2014 / 2015 , accidents at work claimed 142 lives and caused 78,000 injuries in Britain *. Mike Robinson , chief executive of the British Safety Council said : “ These facts and figures reflect the importance of proactive and effective management of health and safety and its risks . “ Over the last 40 years , since the enactment of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 , we have witnessed immense improvements

in making workplaces safer , preventing injuries and reducing incidences of work-related ill health . This record is a result of the combined efforts of the organisations driving the health and safety agenda , as well as many of the British Safety Council ’ s members , who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the health and safety of their employees .” He continued : “ The cost of work-related ill health to the country has remained fairly static over the past five years . In 2014 , injuries and the ill health of employees resulting from work cost society £ 14.3bn annually , of which £ 9.4bn was from illness and £ 4.9bn from injury

( source : HSE ). However , the number of working days lost due to ill health has increased , mostly as a result of work-related stress .” On 28th April , union members and campaigners celebrated International Workers ’ Memorial Day to commemorate those killed , maimed , injured and made ill by work . They renewed a pledge to fight for the living , by raising safety concerns in the workplace and public awareness of the importance of health and safety . This year ’ s theme is strong laws , strong enforcement and strong unions . * Sources : HSE and RID- DOR

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